CSCS falls to Buena Vista with league title on the line

Colorado Springs Christian School’s shot at a title in its new league was thwarted by an old foe.

Buena Vista, which dropped along with the Lions from 2A to the 1A Tri-Peaks League, dominated the Lions 40-6 at home on Friday night in what amounted to a league championship game.

“They were physical and executed well and we didn’t,” CSCS coach Jay Kersey said.

Buena Vista (8-0, 6-0 1A Tri-Peaks) outgained the Lions 156 yards to 6 in the first quarter, taking a 14-0 lead and pushing CSCS (5-3, 5-1) out of its comfort zone.

“We hang our hat on running the ball,” Kersey said. “They were a little faster than we thought they’d be and they took us out of our game plan. It’s not like us to throw the ball 30 times.”

The passing game provided some temporary relief.

Quarterback Dan Kenney went 11-for-23 for 106 yards and connected with his twin brother, Jim, for a 3-yard touchdown that brought CSCS within 20-6 at halftime. The Lions then started with the ball in the third quarter and had driven across the 50-yard line, but the downside of all that passing then reared its ugly head.

On a fourth-and-6, Kenney was intercepted by Buena Vista’s Dakoda DeFurio, who returned it 25 yards to the CSCS 30 and set up a short drive that he finished with a 1-yard touchdown run.

The game turned lopsided after that.

“We did a tip drill and got it and we just kept the momentum going, so it was a big play for us,” said DeFurio, who ran for 132 yards.

The Demons were led by quarterback Koby Close, who ran for 149 yards and two touchdowns and passed for 44 yards and another touchdown.

CSCS was plagued by four interceptions – including one by Jim Kenney on a halfback pass – and, barring a shocking turn of events, will have to settle for second place in its new league.

Buena Vista has outscored its opponents 342-40 this season and figures to be a front-runner when the postseason begins. For now, it’s excited to be the probable champion of its new league.

“It feels really good,” DeFurio said. “We all worked hard for it.”

Jacob Santarelli led CSCS with 21 rushing yards and TJ Stockton hauled in three passes for 60 yards.